LENTIL MUSHROOM PATTIES W/ SMOKY SWEET POTATOES

Lentil mushroom patties with smoky sweet potatoes sounds like a delicious and hearty dish! Here’s a simple recipe idea to guide you through making it:

Lentil Mushroom Patties:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini, button, or any preferred variety)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or oats for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional, for added texture)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a nice smoky flavor)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the patties mixture:
   • In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Add the onion and garlic to the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils lightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
   • Add the sautéed mushrooms, breadcrumbs (or oats), grated carrot, soy sauce, spices, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
2. Form the patties:
   • Take a small amount of the mixture and form into round patties, pressing them gently to flatten.
3. Cook the patties:
   • Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Smoky Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges or cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes:
   • Toss the sweet potato wedges or cubes in olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Roast the sweet potatoes:
   • Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.